ABOUT US

At A Tale of Two Chefs, our goal is to exceed our client's expectations and to remind them of the simple beauty in great tasting food. We provide Specialty Catering and Private Chef Services in Chicago or wherever our clients need us...

The Holiday’s are Almost Here!!! We are very excited about this year’s Holiday Menu. As always, our goal is to wow your guests, and create unforgettable dining experiences. Place your orders early and let us do the work. And enter the holiday season with one less thing on your To Do List!

Wow, this Summer was so nice, AND SHORT! And we wouldn’t want you to develop any bad tasting food habits, since the vacations are done and the kids are back in school. The silver lining is that it’s so easy to still have great tasting food delivered to you. Let’s face it, YOU are a busy person that likes REALLY good food, right? If so, our “Weekly Meal Delivery Service” was designed just for you. Here’s how it works, you choose all the dishes you want for the week, and we handle the rest. Each week you will receive a list of menu options. When you email your order, we will verify any dietary restrictions and set up a time for drop off. Warming included with every order. It’s that simple. Email us at chefjulius@taleof2chefs.com or give us a call at 872-818-5368 to get started.

Here’s the full menu and a couple testimonies from our customers:

A Tale of Two Chefs Weekly Meals Menu Options presented by Chef Julius

“Chef Julius’ drop off service is extremely convenient, especially in the winter months. It’s like having a fine dining experience delivered right to your doorstep. I also love that the portions are large enough to share and are at an affordable price.” T., Television Producer

“For ten years Chef Julius has consistently provided amazing food. Whether it’s a Shonda night treat for myself, dinner for my family, catering for a special event or an amazing night out at a popup. I am always wowed by his new creations and comforted by my old favorites.” K., Educator

Let me start by saying that I don’t remember the last time I did a website/blogpost that wasn’t about our next menu or event. What’s slightly weird about that, is I truly enjoy writing. I enjoy reading even more. For those that don’t believe me, just ask Jada, Terry, Nick, Latice, Kesha or Cherie…#deyknow. I also encourage and help writers that reach out to me on how to translate their narrative. I will be the first to admit that when it comes to writing recipes, I often hesitate. I know…I know…I’m working on getting better. I am well aware that most of my social media posts deal with #foodandwine, #truffles, #music, #prince, #trapmusic, #rooftops, #Kanye, anti-#turkeybacon rants, going to the market, #paris, #chile, #NOLA, #barbecue or #popups. I’m sure there are more subjects but this post can’t be too long, you have other things to do.

My primary reason for this post is because I just want to take some time to recognize my hometown…#CHICAGO. There are some that would say this is a pitch, straight down the pipe, #whateverman. This summer has given me the opportunity to see my city in an even better light. We show up and we show out. Let me state that I am not looking at my city through #champagne filled glasses. We have our issues but so much of the energy within this city is strong and incredible. There is a fearlessness about Chicagoans and we will take chances ANYWHERE! I love the fact that from every industry of importance, we have greatness. And when you ask us where we are from, it’s like #clarkkent tearing open his suit to become #superman. We CANNOT wait to let you know where we are from. We don’t just stop at our beloved city, it’s a must that we let you know which side. Which is of major importance because of sports, pizza, barbecue and chicken.

It’s for these reasons and more why I say THANK YOU CHICAGO. I thank you for the daily support that you have shown me, my business and my team. In addition to that, your inspiration has served as a MAJOR platform for me to work and inspire others. You have shown me true evidence that greatness is measured by how much YOU give back, support and share. I thank you for fueling the desire to get better EVERYDAY at my craft…with NO APOLOGIES. And I love it! Chicagoans are always working to make it. For every level that we attain, we have our eye on the next one. Working hard is our #dna and the world already knows it.

I don’t get to hang out with you as much as I would love to. That doesn’t stop me from acknowledging your road to greatness. You do so much to change the dark stories told to the public for ratings. Our city is beautiful. Our people are beautiful. Our hearts are strong. Our neighborhoods are amazing. And for the short season of summer that we get every year, we are the most beautiful stage in the theater of the world. Thank You Chicago for being you.

Hey, hey we’re heading back to the Taste of Chicago next Thursday, July 6th at 4:30pm to whip up some yummy South American fare! We absolutely LOVE hanging out at the Lifeway Foods Taste Kitchen and as always we plan to provide a fun experience and great giveaways. JOIN US at the demo tent just north of Buckingham Fountain.

Chef Julius Russell’s Pop-Up Restaurant Experience Returns this summer with a next-level menu at a private roof location. Chef Julius and team will spend 8 weeks developing an 8+ course Soulful Nu American menu that blends the haute cuisine with high culture.

The first preview released features dishes from the appetizer service, which includes Duck Confit Tacos, Pollo Moruno Sausage with custom Mustard & Scallions, and the “New Classic” Chicken Burger, a complex spice blend new to the chef’s kitchen.

As with each pop-up, the curated wine pairings amplify the experience. After the menu is finalized, the chosen varietals from the top regions of the world are perfectly matched to enhance each dish.

Chef’s goal for the 1st pop-up of the year is to deliver the very best of what the season has to offer.

Today we’re stopping by Fox 32 Chicago @ 12:45pm to create a few New + Creative Burgers! We’re in burger season, and we’ve developed a few recipes to help kick off your summer right! In addition to a chicken and a beef burger, Chef Julius will prepare what he considers to be “the absolute best turkey burger you can ever make”. Recipe below. Tune in to see what’s got us so excited! #TheFoodYouWant#ATaleof2Chefs

The BEST Turkey Burger That YOU Have Ever Made

1lb ground turkey (85/15)

2tsp Garlic Olive Oil

2tsp Chef Julius Salt Blend

2tsp Chef Julius Pepper Blend; plus 3tsp for cooking process

2tsp Chef Julius Creole Dust

2tsp Asian Chili Garlic Sauce

1 egg (beaten)

½ cup – ¾ cup breadcrumbs

1 cup Tomato & White Sultana Chutney

2tsp hot sauce

12 spicy pickles

4 buns (toasted with olive oil or butter)

Cheese (optional)

2 plastic gloves

1 meat thermometer

Directions:

On a BBQ grill or a grill pan, get the temperature VERY HOT. Depending on your equipment, this will take 5 to 20 minutes.

While this is happening, mix all the ingredients (except for the olive oil and 3tsp of the pepper)

Mix gently and form into 4 patties…let rest

Brush pan/grill with half of the olive oil

Place the patties onto the hot grill/pan…Be sure to not move the burger until the protein has separated from the surface. This will take a minimum of 4 min or as long as 7 minutes.

Use a slotted spatula and flip the burger. DO NOT disturb until the burger reaches 165* degrees.

Place on Toasted Buns with the spicy pickles, cheese and your favorite garnishes… after that, INDULGE in the BEST TURKEY BURGER that YOU have EVER made!

***You can avoid the bun and place this burger in a Lettuce Wrap, to avoid the carbs

It’s SUPERBOWL time again! If you are providing a dish for a party or hosting a gathering, don’t get stuck doing all of the work. Let our team provide dishes that everyone will love. Check out our curated menu – its short but packs a punch. Deliveries can be scheduled for Saturday, February 4th through Superbowl Sunday at 3pm. Give us a call, place your order and relax, we have you covered for the BIG GAME! -Chef Julius

Our next and last pop-up of 2016 will celebrate all things holiday! During the multi-course meal, the music and wine will flow freely. We will close with dancing, musical performances and more! Seating is limited. Check back or visit our FB invite for menu previews…

Chef Julius Russell returns to Ampersand with his quarterly pop-up restaurant experience. This installment features a theme of Nu-American meets Summertime in France.

With each pop-up restaurant event, I try to bring you something unique in taste, atmosphere and experience. And this summer is no exception. Dining out in the summertime gives you a chance to visit other countries and explore food with no boundaries. Through food, you can travel the world. I invite you to stamp your culinary passport and experience how great life can taste!

Don’t miss this curated multi-course meal that includes wine and dessert.